Special Edition: Talk of the TownshipAugust 28, 2017; 3:30 p.m.

THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS (Monday,August 28, 2017, 3:30 p.m.) - From The Woodlands Fire Department in conjunction with Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management

The Woodlands Fire Department and emergency officials continue to monitor the effects of Tropical Storm Harvey on The Woodlands.

The Woodlands Township Chairman Gordy Bunch and Fire Chief Alan B. Benson held a press conference this afternoon to address resident concerns about the storm.

“We currently have resources deployed to assist to evacuate residents in need in the neighborhoods of Timarron in Village of Creekside Park, Grogan's Point and High Oaks in the Village of Grogan’s Mill, and The Reserve,” said Fire Chief Benson. “We have facilitated many rescues this morning already and continue to respond as needed.”

“Our firefighters and emergency medical personnel of The Woodlands Fire Department and Township employees are working around the clock to make sure that we are helping our residents get through this historic disaster,” said Chairman Gordy Bunch. “We appreciate all the support of Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Harris County Constable’s Office, Interfaith of The Woodlands and volunteers. In these trying times, our residents are coming together to get through this disaster. We encourage our residents to stay in touch with the Township through our website and social media and help us get important information throughout the community.”

Residents are asked to stay home and off the roads. The Woodlands Fire Department reminds all residents to stay out of rising waters due to unpredictable currents and unforeseen dangers. If you need help, please call 9-1-1.

WEATHER UPDATETropical Storm Harvey is centered off the coast and southeast of Matagorda Bay and will turn and begin moving northeast on Tuesday, and should be northeast of our area on Thursday morning. The heavy rain threat should end late Wednesday. The Woodlands area can expect between 4 to 6 inches of additional rain this afternoon and evening and may increase later tonight.

HIGH WATER LOCATIONSThe Woodlands Fire Department currently have resources deployed in the neighborhood of Timarron in the Village of Creekside Park, Grogan’s Point and High Oaks in the Village of Grogan’s Mill and The Reserve in the Village of Indian Springs in efforts to assist in necessary evacuations. Additional resources will be deployed as necessary and obtainable.

Go to http://mctxoem.org/ for additional alerts and advisories including road closures and shelters.

POWERScattered power outages have been reported. CenterPoint and Entergy officials are working diligently to make necessary repairs. Currently, we have known power outages in the area of Creekside Park, about 300 customers.

Due to danger to residents and the public presented by electrical distribution facilities impacted by flood waters, electric service is subject to being disconnected in flooded areas until flood waters recede to the point this danger no longer exists. Affected residents are to be notified by the power companies prior to a disconnect. When the hazard is mitigated, power companies will restore power to these homes as soon as possible.

DRINKING WATER SAFE in The Woodlands, despite rumorsDespite numerous rumors throughout social media, the two major municipal water districts serving residents in The Woodlands report water is safe to drink.

The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency (WJPA) reports drinking water for residents of The Woodlands is totally safe. Here is contact information: 855-H2o-SAVE (855-426-7283)For residents in Harris-Montgomery Counties MUD 386, drinking water remains SAFE, according to municipal utility district officials. All drinking water plants are operational at this time. The wastewater system is operational, but is being overfilled with stormwater. This is resulting in wastewater mixed with stormwater that may escape the system. Please try to stay out of flood water, if possible. This does not impact drinking water, which remains SAFE. To report MAJOR water or wastewater emergencies, please contact Municipal District services at 281-290-6503.

ROAD CONDITIONSGo to http://mctxoem.org/ for additional alerts and advisories including road closures.

Here are roads/intersections reported to have water or impassable:1500 SAWDUSTSAWDUST/SAWMILLGLEN LOCH from LONG SHADOWS TO DAWNWOODGLEN LOCH / SAWDUSTSAWDUST FROM GROGANS POINT TO GOLDEN RDSPRING CREEK DR FROM SHADOW CREST TO BRISTLECONE TRLKUYKENDAHL @ FLINTRIDGE DRFLINTRIDGE RD @ SPRING CREEKFLINTRIDGE RD JUST WEST OF S FORESTGATETALLOWBERRY / ARNICAGOSLING / CREEKSIDE (HARRIS COUNTY)

VOLUNTEER INFORMATIONFor those asking about volunteering for the Red Cross, visit www.RedCross.org to learn about volunteer opportunities and submit an application.

Volunteers or those wishing to offer assistance may also call the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management at 936-523-3900.

Find Emergency Resources Online

During an emergency involving The Woodlands Township, there are different ways to access emergency information. The full list of resources can be accessed viathe link. View the Emergency Resources page...